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President Buhari Clears Position As Northern Governors Insist Power Must Shift To South

By
Ayodele Oni
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Northern APC Governors

By Ayodele Oni

Amidst report that National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, (APC), Alhaji Adamu has announced Ahmed Lawan as the consensus candidate for the party, President Muhammadu Buhari, Monday afternoon cleared all doubts about where he stands on the choice of a Presidential candidate for the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC).

This is coming just as Northern Governors insist that time is now for power to shift to the South.

Buhari declared before the party’s 14 governors of Northern States that he has “no preferred candidate,” and has “anointed no one,” and is determined to ensure that “there shall be no imposition of any candidate on the party.”

A statement by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity stated that the President spoke at a meeting with the Governors at the State House, Abuja.

According to the statement, President Buhari said the party is important and its members must be respected, and made to feel they are important.

The President said he had a clear mind about what he was doing and asked the APC Governors to feel the same way:

“You were elected as I was. Have a clear mind as I have. God gave us the chance; we have no reason to complain.

“We must be ready to take pain as we take the joy. Allow the delegates to decide. The Party must participate, nobody will appoint anybody.”

Earlier in their addresses, the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, Governor Simon Bako Lalong and Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of the Progressive Governors Forum, said they had come to affirm the position of the Northern Governors that the party’s candidate in the Presidential election shall come from the southern part of the country.

They apologised to the President for the leakage of their signed memorandum which was not in support of any particular candidate and gave assurances to the President on their readiness to accept his leadership on the matter.

How Invading Terrorists Escaped After Attack – IGP

By
Ayodele Oni
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IGP in Owo

By Ayodele Oni

The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has condemned the brutal murder of innocent Nigerians in an attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owaluwa in Owo, Ondo State.

The attack was carried out by yet-to-be-identified gunmen at about 11.30am on Sunday, 5th June, 2022.

The IGP in a statement by the Force Public Relations Department, signed by Olumuyiwa Adejobi, explained that the gunmen, from preliminary investigations, invaded the Church with arms and materials suspected to be explosives.

“Police Investigators who were part of the First Responders deployed to the scene have recovered pellets of expended AK-47 ammunition.

“The Explosive Ordnance Devices – Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Explosives (EOD-CBRNE) unit confirmed the use of Explosives as fragments of the IEDs used were found and after thorough sweeping of the scene, 3 unexploded IEDs were recovered at the scene of the incident.

“Further investigations revealed that some of the gunmen disguised as congregants, while other armed men who had positioned themselves around the Church premises from different directions, fired into the Church.

“The assailants fled the scene using a Nissan Sunny car with Reg No. AKR 895 AG which was snatched from the owner, and escaped through Owo/Ute road.

“The vehicle has been recovered while the owner of the vehicle is currently assisting the Police in its investigations.

“The IGP has ordered full-scale investigations into the incident in order to bring to book the perpetrators of the gruesome killing of the worshippers at the church.

“The IGP has further ordered the deployment of specialized operatives of the Police EOD-CBRNE, police experts, and other tactical units from the Force Headquarters for a comprehensive investigation, and for immediate interception of the Villians.

“The Inspector-General of Police, therefore, condoles with the Ondo State Government, family members, relatives, and friends of the victims who lost their lives in the unfortunate attack.

“He equally assures that the heartless killers of the harmless victims, particularly innocent children, would be made to face the full wrath of the law, while the Force will emplace strategies to forestall similar future occurrences.”

Owo Killing May Ignite Ethnic War – Rauf Aregbesola

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has said the Federal Government is not deterred in its efforts to ensure adequate security of lives and property of the citizenry.  This is in the wake of the killings of worshipers at St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State by yet to be identified gunmen.

Aregbesola, who paid a condolence visit to Owo on Monday, described the killing of the worshippers as devastating, senseless and an attempt to ignite ethnic war.

According to Aregbesola, the attack was to dampen the morale of the Government and Owo community, noting that the criminals were going after soft targets because they have been weakened.

The Minister, who conferred with the Olowo of Owo,  Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin, on the attack, called for collaborative efforts between traditional institutions and law enforcement agencies in arresting the fleeing criminals, saying that any piece of information on the attack is important.

The minister, who was also joined by the host Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State visited the church.

They were received by the Church’s officiating priest, Rev Fr Andrew Abayomi.

Aregbesola pointed out that it was worrisome that the attack happened in the South-West which has a measure of peace and tranquility.

“While the motive of the perpetrators is yet to be established, there is no doubt that their cowardly act is intended to cause chaos and instil fear in the people, foment trouble and provoke bloody inter and intra ethnic crises.

“It is worrisome that this is happening in the region of Nigeria that has a measure of peace and tranquility. This could only have been intentioned to destabilize the state and plunge the nation to needless crisis.

“Their action is capable of widening the cracks in national harmony and peaceful coexistence of Nigerians, stoking ethnic and religious crises and pitting our people against one another on the basis of primordial cleavages.

“I am therefore appealing to you to reject this ugly and backward agenda and refuse to take any rash, inappropriate, primitive and precipitate action in the spirit of revenge. We should clearly identify the enemy and their mission.

“Our neighbours from other parts of the country with whom we have lived together in peace and harmony, are not and cannot be the enemy.

“We must not be provoked to senselessly attack each other in reaction to the evil plot of some nihilists and criminals bent on plunging the nation into chaos and anarchy.

“Those who attacked innocent people worshipping in the house of God are the enemies. They are nothing more than cowardly savages and animals.

“I can assure however that the entire security system of Nigeria is on the trail of the enemies that sneaked in on us to wreak this havoc. We are on their trail, they will be apprehended and made to pay dearly for this unprovoked attack.”

Aregbesola said the security of lives and property of Nigerians remains number one agenda of the government, saying the government is going to do everything possible to make the nation secure and peaceful.

He said the Federal Government is outraged by the attack and will leave no stone unturned in getting to the root of it.

“We must remain irrepressible and undeterred. We should not give the enemies the benefit of rejoicing over us. The attack was meant to dampen our morale and plunge us to gloom and darkness.

“We must bounce back big time. But we should rise to defend our land and take our historic position in leading the black race to fulfilling its destiny.”

Shock As Adamu Announces Lawan as Consensus APC Presidential Candidate; Says He Consulted Buhari

By
The Source
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Ahmad Lawan

By Gideon Njoku

 

In consultation with President Muhammadu Buhari, National Chairman of  the All Progressives Congress, APC, has announced Senate President, Dr Ahmad Lawan as the Party’s Presidential Consensus candidate.

The announcement made by Adamu  Monday, at the meeting of the APC National   Working Committee, has shocked not a few people, and destabilised Party stakeholders.

On Saturday, 11 APC Northern Governors and other Northern leaders, had in a statement, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to endorse that the Presidential seat rotate to the South for fairness and stability of the country.

Lawan is from Yobe, North- East. Incidentally, the PDP candidate, Atiku Abubakar, from Adamawa, is also from North-East.

Opinion is that this could wreck the APC, and make nonsense of its Presidential Primaries against Tuesday.

Breaking: APC Choses Lawan As Consensus Presidential Candidate

By
James Orji
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By James Orji

Ahead the All Progressives  Congress,  APC National Convention  slated for June 7, the party has announced the Senate President,  Ahmad Lawan as the consensus presidential  candidate. Lawan is one of the late entrants into the race.

According to the Nation newspaper, Adamu made the announcement at the meeting of National Working Committee, NWC on Monday in Abuja. The APC said the party came to the decision after consultation with President  Muhammadu  Buhari. But the president said last Saturday that he will not foist any candidate on the party.

It is,however, unclear whether other aspirants which include Vice President Yemi Osinbajo,  Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Emeka Nwajuba, Rotimi Amaechi, Governors Kayode Fayemi, Dave Umahi, amongst others had accepted the decision.

For instance,  Tinubu had recently said he was not prepared to step down for any aspirant. Also,  Osinbajo said last week he had not stepped down for the Senate President contrary to speculations.

President Buhari had met the APC governors on Saturday where he appealed to them to chose a consensus candidate ahead the primaries  coming up tomorrow.  The president  had earlier told the governors to allow him chose his successor.

It remains sketchy whether Lawan will be acceptable to a cross section of APC leaders for the party in next year’s  election. The decision to chose Lawan, many watchers of the party said, will definitely  shake the party to its very foundation as it plans to consolidate  power next year.

FCT Police Command Deny Invasion Of Estate, Abduction Of Residents

By
The Source
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Nigeria Police Force

By Gideon Njoku

The Abuja Police Command has denied the viral story on Social Media to the effect that Bandits invaded an Estate in Gwarimpa, Genuine  Estate, in the early morning of Monday, June 6, and abducted a number of residents.

The viral story said that the bandits operated for hours.

But the FCT Police Command has dismissed the story as fake, and lamented the damage such fake stories do to the psyche of Nigerians.

 

What happened, the Command said in a statement signed by its Spokesperson,  DSP Josephine Adeh, was that a “distress call was received from Queens Efab Estate, Kasana, Galatians Area that there was an ongoing armed robbery operation. Operatives of the Command attached to Galadims Divisional Headquarters swiftly responded, and upon arrival at the Estate, the robbers took to their heels.”

Following is the full text of the Statement.

“The attention of the FCT Police Command has been drawn to news making the rounds in some sections of the media space alleging erroneously that bandits attacked an estate in Gwarinpa Estate, Abuja, and abducted residents.

“The Command wishes to set the records straight that on the 6th June, 2022, a distress call was received from Queens Efab Estate, Kasana, Galadima Area that there was an ongoing armed robbery operation. Operatives of the Command attached to Galadima Divisional Headquarters swiftly responded and upon arrival at the Estate, the robbers took to their heels. The gallant operatives however gave them a chase which led to them abandoning some items they had already stolen including some phones and laptops.

“It is disheartening to discover that some news platforms chose to trend a false narrative without following the ethics and standards of balanced reportage, thereby inundating the public with false, imaginary and spurious account of what actually transpired. The Commissioner of Police, CP Babaji Sunday, however assures residents of the Command’s commitment to their safety and of swift response to all distress calls.

“In addition to the above, members  of the public are  urged to remain vigilant, strengthen partnership with the Police as touching the rendition of prompt and actionable intelligence, reporting any suspicious or abnormal occurrence to the Police through the following emergency lines: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, and 08028940883, While the Public Complaint Bureau (PCB) desk, could be reached on: 0902 222 2352.”

Peter Obi Mourns Ondo Catholic Church Terrorism Victims; Says He Is Broken

By
The Source
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Peter Obi

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Former Governor Peter Obi, has expressed shock over the terror attack that rocked Ondo State, in which many lives were reportedly lost, describing it as a very sad day in the history of the nation.

Terrorists attacked St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, the headquarters of Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State. About 50 worshippers died and several others injured.

In a Press Release,  Obi decried the continued descent of the country into insecurity and failure of the state. He lamented the mindless killing of innocent worshippers, saying it is heart breaking.

He condenmed the rising tide of violence in almost every part of the country, warning that no nation ever progresses with the level of insecurity Nigeria is currently experiencing. He said that what is more painful is that the worshippers were killed, without any sense of sacredness, right in their place of worship. Nigeria has become a failed State, almost, he lamented.

Obi: “The heartless waste of precious lives at Ondo, today, and indeed other parts of the country, where lives are lost in droves, reminds us how awfully we have retrogressed as a nation, and the herculean task, of nation building, ahead of us, in taking back our nation from insecurity and every form of failure holding us down.”

He condoled with the Government and people of the State, the Bishop and the entire Catholic Diocese of Ondo, and prayed for the quick recovery of the injured, and the repose of the souls of the departed.

Nigeria’s Governors Forum Donates N50 Million To Ondo Catholic Diocese; Promises To Fish Out Killers

By
Ayodele Oni
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Governors Forum

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF)  has paid a condolence visit to Ondo State to commiserate with the Governor, the State and the Catholic diocese over the Sunday terror attack at St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, Owo.

Chairman of the NGF and Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi had earlier visited Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu,SAN, at the Government House, Alagbaka, Akure.

Governor Fayemi was accompanied by former Governor of Ogun State and serving Senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

They were later led by Governor Akeredolu to the residence of the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Bishop Jude Arogundade before moving to Owo to commiserate with the Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye.

Governor Fayemi, who described the ugly attack as least expected, stated that Owo has been a very peaceful environment.

“It is a serious and unusual attack on the people who can’t go out and farm or worship God in peace. We are all shock.

“Just like the Governor said, these people shall not go unpunished. They will be hunted down and brought to book. But this can not save the lives that have been lost or save the wounded from discomfort.

“As leaders of the people, we will redouble our efforts. This is happening across the county and we are concerned. We know how troubled you will be. And we know that this is something that troubles our minds.

“For now, the government at the state and federal levels are working to bring the perpetrators to book.

“My colleagues in the Governors forum have asked me to donate N50 million to the Catholic Church to ameliorate the condition of the families of the victims. This is a crime against humanity.”

The Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Bishop Jude Arogundade described the attack as evil.

He urged the Governors to ensure that those behind the killing and their sponsors are brought to book.

“I appreciate your coming and comment. How did we get here? Have we lost our mind and humanity? Even in war situation, nobody kills children and women. Nobody attacks the church.

“I am calling on you the leaders of the country, I think we need to talk and we need to be frank with each ourselves.

“This can not happen without the backing of some powerful people. Those behind this no matter how powerful they are, must be brought to book.

“How are we presenting ourselves as primitive. Ondo state doesn’t deserve this . Humanity doesn’t deserve this. This doesn’t present us well. People are laughing at us.”

At the palace of Olowo of Owo, Fayemi commiserated with the people of Owo and the Olowo over the ugly incident.

“Our people are traumatized. The entire Governors asked me to deliver their condolences to you and the entire Owo. We are all still in shock.

“This is not an attack on owo or Ondo state. It is not attack on all of us. We must restore our pride. So that our people can feel safe again. We need to restore our country to sanity, to safety.”

The Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye said the perpetrators of the ugly attack wanted to make a statement.

He said the federal government needs to be proactive, saying “Our forest here in owo, in Yoruba land have been invaded. Our farmers can’t go to farms again. Those in our forest illegally must be flushed out.”

Governor Akeredolu later led the visitors to the St Louis hospital in Owo, where some of the survivors are receiving medical attention.

Owo Catholic Church Attack: Akeredolu Orders Flags To Fly At Half Mast; Reactions Pour In

By
The Source
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Akeredolu Weeping over Owo Attack

By Ayodele Oni

Reactions continue to trail Sunday invasion of a Catholic church in Owo, Ondo state by suspected terrorists.

St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, was, in an unprecedented incident,  attacked by Terrorists during the Holy Mass on Sunday, May 5, 2022.

With the death toll put at almost 50, Royal fathers, Religious leaders, Christian and muslim groups and Political leaders, continue to express outrage, describing it as callous.

Already, Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, who has been on ground since Sunday when he hurriedly left the convention venue of the All Progressive Congress, (APC) in Abuja, has directed all public buildings, facilities and official residences to fly the Nigerian flag at half -mast for seven days in honour of the victims of the Owo terror attack.

Governor Akeredolu said the attack on innocent worshipers at St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street,Owo was a deliberate and calculated assault on the people of the state.

The Governor said: “Those who unleashed this unprovoked terror attack on our people have tested our collective resolves. We will not be deterred in responding appropriately to this dastardly act.

“In honour of the victims of this unfortunate attack, I hereby direct that all flags be flown at half-mast for seven days, starting from today, Monday, June 6, to Sunday, June 12, 2022. It is a collective loss to the people of our dear state.

“We should all be reminded that yesterday made it exactly one year when an invading gang of killer herdsmen killed at least over 20 people in Igangan, Ibarapa North local government of Oyo State on a Saturday night.

In his reaction, Ooni of Ife, Oba  noted that “What occurred yesterday was a gruesome massacre dastardly targeted at turning Yorubaland to a war zone.

“However, we the descendants of Oduduwa although peace loving, cannot be overrun in our own homes, do not be mistaken, we have the capacity and are prepared and ready to defend ourselves against all external invaders.

“We should all be reminded that yesterday made it exactly one year when an invading gang of killer herdsmen killed at least over 20 people in Igangan, Ibarapa North local government of Oyo State on a Saturday night, leaving several houses, the palace of the Asiganga burnt in the attack, whilst people were asleep.

“When calamities like this befall us without a single trace, the interpretation is that the intelligence unit of our country’s security architecture is probably faulty or completely missing.

“I implore the six governors across the south west region and their brothers nationwide as well as the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government, to live up to their oaths of securing Nigerians and ensuring safety for all citizens irrespective of their age, sex, religion or tribe.

“Rather than discouraging us, this will rather strengthen us especially in our resolve to deploy manpower, resources and technology towards the protection of lives and properties.

“I’m consulting with Traditional rulers across the south-west alongside the governors across the southwest to come up with concrete plans to safe guard our people.

“We have deep obligations to them in the face of inadequate state security challenges that are threatening the fabric of our existence.

“To my brother the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, and the entire Owo kingdom, to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, to the Ondo State Government, to the people of Owo, to the Priest and parishioners of St. Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa, Owo, to the families of all the victims, and the entire people of Ondo State, it is my prayer that Olodumare will comfort you all and give you peace in these trying time.”

Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas and the Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, described the unprovocative attack as barbaric and highly traumatizing which had left the ancient city of Owo in unquantifiable pains and agony.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Adeyeye Michael, Oba Aladetoyinbo said that the massacre of innocent and law abiding worshippers including women and children was the height of crime against God and humanity.

“It is so sad that there is no sanctity and respect for human lives by these assailants who killed innocent souls who have gathered to worship God and also pray for our dear nation.

“This is sad for us in Ondo State and the hearts of all the traditional Rulers and good people of the sunshine state is heavy over this ugly incident and our heartfelt condolence and prayers is with the family of those who lost their loved ones in this barbaric attack.”

The Deji urges the security agencies to go after theses attackers and bring them to justice for sins against humanity.

Traditional Rulers in Ondo State will continue to support the Government in ensuring that the state is rid of all criminal elements.

Breaking: Not True, VP Osinbajo Not In A Vehicle Accident

By
Adesina Soyooye
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By Adesina Soyooye

Nigeria’s Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo is safe. Neither he nor his convoy, was involved in any vehicle accident.

Initial reports by Peoples Gazette said Vice President was  involved in a Vehicle accident  along the Abuja Airport Road Monday morning and that efforts were being made to pull him out.

But the VP’s Spokesman, Laolu Akande, has debunked the story.

In a post, Akande said: “On his way to the Airport this morning, VP came across a road traffic accident, stopped to lend assistance, & ensured victim was taken to hospital with VP’s convoy ambulance. He then proceeded on his trip and is now in Ondo State heading to site of yesterday’s attack .”

Osinbajo was on his way to Ondo State to condole with the Government and people over the gruesome terrorist attack on  Worshippers at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo on Sunday, June 5, 2022 which claimed over 30 lives, including children.

For the records, Vice President Osinbajo is one of the Presidential aspirants under the All Progressives Congress, APC. The Primaries to pick the Party’s candidate began Monday, June 6.

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